Radipole Park & Gardens
Radipole is often referred to as the Cinderella garden of Weymouth - beautiful, but hidden away.
Designed in the 1920s by world renown landscape architect Edward White, Radipole Park and Gardens still retains many of its classic features, such as the serpentine path seen here during the stunning crocus season.
While located off the beaten track, the Park is within walking distance of the town centre or the beach for those who enjoy a good stroll.
It is opposite Radipole Lake nature reserve and runs alongside Radipole Park Drive.
There are three main areas to explore: the formal gardens to the South, with a series of benches in the central oval to sit and rest or take in the beautiful plantings.
In the middles sits a series of sports facilities and courts, including two new updated tennis courts, basketball, football and short hoops. A track for youngsters to ride their bikes or scooters on and learn road safety, pétanque court and outdoor table tennis. All free to use, just bring your equipment along.
Sitting in this area is the newly created sensory garden and kiosk that serves home made cakes and delicious drinks. (Opening July 2024)
An upgraded playground, with new natural play equipment.
There’s a large open field to the North. At some times of the year it’s left as a wildflower meadow with paths crossing through, wonderful to meander the grasses and wildflowers, spotting wildlife. New benches have been installed along the pathway, chance to rest.
That leads into the Friends and community orchard at the far end, filled with trees of all manner of fruit and nuts.
find out more below
gardens
The Park’s beautiful formal gardens are the perfect place to get away from it all and to enjoy a bit of welcome shade in the hot summer months. They are also popular with families for picnics and children’s parties.
Edward White’s now ancient and gnarled willow grove is used by many as a romantic backdrop for their weddings. It is our signature image and features in our logo.
The central lawn is circled by flower beds of stunning perennial plants that are a magnet for photographers in the summer months.
Either side there are a selection of trees, including many of White’s original specimen ones.
We hold many of our events in this lovely green space – Wildlife & Wellbeing, Music in the Park, Big Fun Day and Halloween Pumpkin Carving to name but a few.
sports facilities
Tennis Courts
The Park has two, recently refurbished, public tennis courts. These are free of charge and there is no need to book.
Weymouth Tennis Club has four ‘all year round’ tennis courts available for members. For details, please contact: 07957 810 836.
Basketball Court and Multi-Use Games Area
Both are free of charge and booking is not required.
Outdoor Table Tennis and Pétanque Court
These new, free to use facilities can be found near the main car park.
Orienteering Course
Coming soon!
sensory garden
For the past three years, the Friends group has been raising funds to create a new sensory garden. Designed to delight both wildlife and human visitors, the garden is located next to the refreshment kiosk and is fully accessible.
Construction work and planting began in Spring 2024. Drop by and enjoy the sights, scents and sounds as this fantastic new space evolves.
play area
An exciting new range of natural play equipment has just been installed. The area has dog proof fencing and self-closing gates and there is seating close by to sit and watch while the little ones let off steam!
playing fields
This large open grassed area is suitable for ball games, picnics and community events.
At the far end of the field there is a community orchard with a mix of different fruit trees and a wildflower area that comes to life during the summer months.
facilities and access
Each of the main entrances to the Park has a detailed map to help you find your way around and make the most of your visit.
Heritage Kiosk & Toilets
Offering drinks and snacks, the kiosk has a covered, raised decked area to sit and relax in. Interpretation boards on the sides explain the history of the Park. There is ramp access and three toilets, one accessible.
Nature Trail
Look out for the nature trail discs around the Park. The trail encourages younger visitors to discover and explore the different habitats in the Park and to learn about the wildlife that depend on them.
Accessibility
- A network of paths runs the length of the Park. In the main, these are suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users but please be aware that some surfaces are uneven.
- Places to stop and rest – there are benches throughout the Park and in the sensory garden
- As an outdoor space, noise levels and other sensory factors are changeable. Areas away from the main paths and the formal gardens are generally quieter.
how to get here
Visiting on foot: starting at the Jubilee Clock on the seafront, follow King Street past the train station and then turn right onto Radipole Park Drive. The closest entrance to the Park is on the right, just after the retail park.
By train: on exiting Weymouth station, turn right onto King Street and then right again at the traffic lights onto Radipole Park Drive.
By car: There are two parking areas, both accessed from Radipole Park Drive. The smaller car park is next to Weymouth Tennis Club and the formal gardens. The larger main car park is by the playing field and has dedicated accessible and mini-bus parking spaces. Parking is free in both car parks.
Cycling: Cycle lanes run alongside Radipole Park Drive. Cycling is not permitted inside the Park.